Discussion: Bad knee

I am playing on a knee that is not quite to the point of replacement but that time is not many years down the road. I am sure many of you are playing on bad knees like myself and I was wondering what works best for you between games to keep the swelling down. I am not a big guy 180 lbs or it would probably be even harder to run. I appreciate any advice I can get.

JamesLG, sorry to hear about your knee problems. I am just turning 60, my left knee is already requiring replacement.( this is from osteo-arthritis). My doctor told me that if he did the replacement I would have to stop playing softball. I am unwilling to do so. He prescribed a very expensive brace that supports my knee, I only use it when I play.It supports my knee and allows me to run. Not very well, but anything is better than the alternative.
What I have been told is that a knee replacement is supposedly only good for 20 to 25 years, and that it is best if it is only replaced one time. I also have some aquaintances who have had knees replaced who are playing on them with great results. That said, there are also a couple of guys I know who have had bad experiences, there is the risk of infection, and the rehabilitation is long, painful, and difficult. There are things happening across the pond with stem cell research where they are growing new cartilage, that is the good news, the bad news is that our FDA is probably not going to approve it for use in this country, at least not in the immediate future.

James,
I have had all of the below symptoms and was headed for the replacement.
Then my Doc suggested that we try SYN-VISC shots and the Don-Joy brace.
I am on the second set now as the first set lasted 22 months before pain and stiffness started to return. The second set is now at 17 months and still doing well. Most Docs say 6 to 9 months for being effective. I had to get out of the outfield and return to pitching. I run for myself and sometimes pinch run also.
I am pain free.
I do ice after multiple games and tournaments which seems to help also.
SYN-Visc doesn't work for everybody but has worked extremely well for me.
Talk to your DOC there are also some variations of these type of shots that might work.

Over the past 20 years I have had my right knee operated on 5 times. After the 3rd one they had removed all of my cartlidge. I don't use a brace because after my 3rd I had a new ACL replacement. That tighten my whole knee up (a real life saver).
When we play 3 or more games a day I will ice it down after the 2nd game (never more than 20 min.) That and 2-3, 800 mg motrin do the trick. There will be swelling and a little pain the next day, but I'm the fool who wants to play ss.
If you have a total knee, you will be able to play again, but you will have to learn a new way of balancing on that knee.

The combination of Aleve 12 hour & Osteo Bi-Flex have worked well for me in staving off having to take any further more drastic actions. Icing does help the stiffness but I probably don't do that as much as I should.

MR. RON HARP----For a guy thats had all the knee work you have had ----I'd say you play 1 heck of a shortstop----Excuse me for interupting this thread---i just want to say hi to a x teammate i admire and respect as a person and a competitive senior player. Good luck to you and the guys next year---looking forward to seeing all of you in Menifee on i think the 10th. Thanks for all your help and support last year. I've found a home with the Marauders. I was told to get as dirty as i want--they love it.---lol----Play Hard and Stay Health--------Sonny
SB

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